The mother of U.S. soldier Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, who was detained in Russia on accusations of stealing from his girlfriend, believes he was “set up.” Black’s mother, Melody Jones, described his relationship with the Russian woman as volatile and suspected her of being a spy. She warned her son not to travel to Russia, but he ended up flying to Vladivostok instead of returning to the U.S. from South Korea. Black now faces charges of assault and theft, and will remain in a Russian pre-trial detention facility until his next hearing in early July.
Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed that Black did not have authorization to travel to Russia and had not requested official clearance to do so. There is no evidence to suggest that Black intended to stay in Russia after his leave period ended. The State Department advises against traveling to Russia and urges those already there to leave. Black is one of several Americans currently detained in Russia, including English instructor William Nycum, corporate security executive Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, musician Travis Leake, teacher Marc Fogel, and dual nationals Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Khavana.
Nycum was found breaking into a children’s library in Moscow and sentenced to 10 days in jail. Whelan was convicted of espionage, while Gershkovich was arrested on similar charges in March 2023. The U.S. government has labeled them wrongfully detained and is working to negotiate their release. Leake was arrested on drug-related charges, Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for similar charges, and Kurmasheva and Khavana are also detained. The situation highlights the complexities and risks associated with traveling to Russia.
The detainment of American citizens in Russia has become a growing concern, with various individuals facing charges ranging from theft and assault to espionage and drug-related offenses. The U.S. government is actively involved in trying to secure the release of its citizens, who are held in pre-trial detention facilities across the country. The cases reflect the challenges and uncertainties that come with navigating the legal systems of foreign countries, particularly in cases where individuals may not have followed official travel protocols or faced unexpected circumstances.
The situation involving Staff Sgt. Gordon Black and other detained Americans underscores the importance of adhering to travel advisories and regulations when visiting foreign countries. The risks associated with entering into volatile or suspicious situations, as well as the potential consequences of illegal actions, can have lasting effects on individuals. It is essential for travelers to be mindful of their actions and to seek assistance from the appropriate authorities if they find themselves in difficult or compromised situations while abroad. The U.S. government continues to advocate for the release of its citizens detained in Russia and is working to ensure their well-being and safe return home.
